Lakow Named Santa Anita Racing Director

Santa Anita Park announced today that Mike Lakow, who served for 12 years as Director of Racing for the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and who is currently a racing steward at Calder Race Course, has been hired as Racing Director and will assist Santa Anita Vice President of Racing Rick Hammerle, effective March 24.

“Mike brings a breadth of experience and close personal relationships with horsemen nationwide that will serve us well as we move forward into this era of expanded dates and opportunities here at Santa Anita,” said Keith Brackpool, Santa Anita Chairman. “Horse inventory is the backbone of our business and we’re confident that Mike is going to be a tremendous asset for us as we continue in our efforts to attract an ever-diverse and varied equine population to one of America’s finest racing venues.”

A Philadelphia native, Lakow, 57, has over 30 years of experience in the racing industry, having worked at tracks in New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Kentucky, Florida and Dubai, U.A.E.

“Thoroughbred racing is my passion and I am grateful the Stronach Group and Santa Anita Park have offered me the privilege to be part of their elite racing program,” said Lakow.

Following his tenure with NYRA, Lakow served as General Manager for John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms in Lexington, Kentucky, for five years. He was then chosen to head New York’s Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation in Saratoga Springs.

Lakow was hired as an Association Steward by Calder Race Course in April, 2013, and has served with distinction until the present time.

Santa Anita’s current Winter Meeting will run through April 20, and will be followed by a Summer Meet, to run from April 25 to June 29.

Santa Anita Park will host the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships for an unprecedented third year in-a-row on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.